Robinson High School has welcomed a new art teacher this year, Kim Padrone, and students are already noticing the impact she has made in the classroom. As a new teacher at Robinson, Padrone brings a supportive and creative teaching style that helps students feel more confident in their artistic abilities. Before becoming an art teacher, Padrone originally studied journalism during her first year of college.
After thinking about what she truly enjoyed, she realized art had always been an important part of her life. She was especially inspired by her elementary school art teacher and the positive experiences she had in those classes. That inspiration pushed her toward a career in art education. Padrone says her favorite type of art is three-dimensional art because it allows students to work hands-on and experiment with different materials. In her classroom, she focuses more on the creative process than the final product.
Instead of worrying about perfection, she encourages students to explore, make mistakes and learn from them. Students have responded positively to this approach.
“I like that she doesn’t judge our art and just wants us to try,” Isiah Garcia (’28) said. “I used to think I was bad at art, but her class made me feel more confident and comfortable.”
Padrone believes art should be something students can enjoy for their entire lives, not just as a school subject. She explains that even if students do not plan on pursuing art as a career, it can still be used as a way to relax or express emotions.
“Her class makes art feel more personal and less stressful,” Garcia said. Creating a safe classroom environment is also important to Padrone. She encourages students to take creative risks without fear of embarrassment. “You don’t feel nervous sharing your work in her class because everyone is supported.”
Padrone chose to come to Robinson High School after hearing positive things about the school from Mr.Hienson, a math teacher and close friend. When she learned about the opening in the art department, she did not hesitate to apply. As a new teacher at Robinson, Kim Padrone hopes to inspire students to see art as something meaningful, enjoyable and valuable beyond the classroom.
